Leica introduces TL2 mirrorless camera with new 24-megapixel sensor, 4K video, 20fps shooting and more
posted Monday, July 10, 2017 at 10:15 AM EST
Click here to read our Leica TL2 Preview
Update at 4:35 PM EDT: We have published our Leica TL2 Preview. Links have been added.
Leica has announced the new TL2 mirrorless camera, which follows in the footsteps of the TL that released last November. It is built on the L mount, which was launched a couple years prior as the Leica T mount. A lot has changed since last fall, and the Leica TL2 comes equipped with a new higher-megapixel 24-megapixel sensor, faster Maestro II image processor, 4K video capabilities, a wider ISO range, faster autofocus, an electronic shutter, USB 3.0 connectivity, improved touchscreen performance and a better user interface.
In typical Leica fashion, the TL2 is sleek and stylish. Each TL2 camera is machined from a single block of aluminum. The camera has redesigned control elements to offer what the company dubs a "new haptic experience." Further, the camera will be offered in black and silver versions from launch.
On the back of the Leica TL2 is a 3.7-inch LCD touchscreen display. On this large display will be reorganized menus which the company states offer a faster, more intuitive user experience. The touchscreen itself is said to be eight times faster than the previous version. The touchscreen is not the only aspect of the camera which has been made swifter, as Lecia says the autofocus performance is vastly improved. The camera can focus in as little as 165 milliseconds (CIPA standard using a Leica standard zoom lens at its wide angle focal length), which is nearly 300 milliseconds faster than the TL. The faster autofocus performance is thanks in part to the new Leica Maestro II image processor, which also contributes to a faster start-up time and improved continuous shooting performance. When using the new electronic shutter, which offers shutter speeds up to 1/40,000s, the Leica TL2 is said to be able to shoot at up to 20 frames per second.
While fully compatible with Leica TL system lenses, which comprises three prime and three zoom lenses, the TL2 can also use SL lenses without an adapter and can be adapted using first-party adapters to use Leica M and R lenses. The M adapter, like the TL2 itself, is available in black and silver finishes.
To learn more about the new Leica TL2, read our Leica TL2 preview. The Leica TL2 is now available for preorder and will cost US$1,950. You can preorder the camera in either finish through the links below.